Chemotherapy for Testicular Cancer

Chemotherapy
is the treatment modality that employs drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body in order to kill cancer cells. The side effects of chemotherapy come from the fact that the drugs destroy normal cells, as well.

Chemotherapy for testicular cancer usually involves some combination of bleomycin, etoposide,
cisplatin, ifosfamide, and
carboplatin. For some tumors, very high-dose chemotherapy (sufficient to eradicate bone marrow cells) is given, followed by stem cell transplant.

Chemotherapy is usually given by IV, but some forms can be given by mouth. Your oncologist will tell you how many cycles or courses of chemotherapy are best for you. Usually there are between 3-4 cycles of chemotherapy given when the chemotherapy is the only form of treatment.

The side effects and amount of time required in the doctor’s office depend on the type of chemotherapy you receive, as well as how many cycles you receive and how often. The most common chemotherapy-associated side effects are:

Nausea and vomiting

Fatigue or tiredness

Hair loss

Cough or shortness of breath

Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet

Most of these side effects are temporary, though some may be permanent. Discuss the implications of chemotherapy side effects with your oncologist.

Chemotherapy is given primarily after surgery in the treatment of nonseminomas. Sometimes it is also given if the tumor is very large or it has spread to the lung, brain, or other organs.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.